Junkware Removal Tool

Description

Junkware Removal Tool (also known as JRT) is a freeware security utility for Microsoft Windows designed to search and remove adware, toolbars and other unwanted software (PUPs - described as "Potentially Unwanted Programs") from your PC.

A common scenario is when you download a reputable/trusted/recommended software that happens to be bundled. This security tool will help you to remove adware/intrusive toolbars and PUPs.

Junkware Removal Tool Review

Junkware Removal Tool (also known as JRT) software was acquired by Malwarebytes (a well-known anti-malware company) in June 2014. The good news is that the original author was also hired by the same company. Later, the original software logo (representing an ancient runner on an orange background) was replaced with a modern logo representing a blue Triton.

Note: To keep things simple, here are the two most common scenarios when you "get" unwanted toolbars or software (PUPs).

A. The author describes what I call an increasing "phenomenon" (software bundling) among software developers that seems to have become popular for both Open Source and Freeware software. The short story is this: the creator of a software wants to earn money (the reasons vary: reward, recognition, funding etc.) and it happens to receive a bundling offer from a certain company (there are many). If he accepts, his software (once reputable) will also attempt to deliver usually at the setup stage, unwanted software (PUPs). The tricky part is how the unwanted software gets to your computer. I've seen various scenarios such as: "Do you agree to install X app?" and usually the user (tired/in a hurry/not careful enough) will click on "No" when in fact the text says that you need to click on "Yes" to avoid the installation. Also, regardless of whether you click "Yes" or "No", there is a small link "somewhere" on that page that says "No, I don't want to install X app" or "No, thanks! Continue with the setup"...anyway you get the idea.

B. I would add a second opinion on how you might get things that you don't want on your computer. One would be (I've seen this for many popular software) when you click on the sponsored links from certain search engines where some companies offer well-known Open Source software bundled with all kinds of crap. Another common scenario (usually found on all download websites) is when some advertisers post ads that imitate download buttons (usually in green, red, blue etc.) so that they can distribute reputable Open Source software that is being modified with their crappy installers inside (due to permissive Open Source licenses).

Installation

There's no setup file for this tool, all you have to do is to download and launch the file named "JRT" and you should see a command prompt window opening and all you have to do is to press any key to start the program.

Running JRT: Once you've pressed any key, this utility backs up your registry and then it will check sensitive areas where adware/spyware or PUPs will install and run: startup, modules, processes, services, files, folders, registry and browser settings, and after it finishes the scan, it will automatically delete any infection found and create a log text file on your desktop named "JRT" where you can check the scan results.

Conclusion

As you probably noticed, this is not a complex security tool for the average home user. I was able to read a few criticisms related to lack of some features such as more control for the user and a shiny interface (the software interface is using the "Command Line" style). I don't know if this is a good or a bad idea but what I know for sure is that once your computer is infected with a powerful virus, trojan, worm, rootkit (or any other malware type) the best treatment is a full, clean re-install of your operating system. Adding an option where the user can control what to delete might prevent him from understanding what this tool really does (e.g. HiJackThis which is a security tool for advanced users and security experts not for regular home users).

Considering the original description given by the author, the purpose of Junkware Removal Tool is to help the user to purge browser hijackers, unwanted toolbars and 3rd party programs that you didn't want to install (actually that's my personal opinion). Finally, I am sure that you will appreciate the speed and the effectiveness when dealing with unwanted stuff on your Windows.